North Wales pensioner wins £51K Range Rover - but has no space to keep it
A Welsh retiree is celebrating after winning a £51,000 Range Rover Sport SVR in an online competition - but doesn't have space to keep it. Neil Abernethy, a former BT engineer from Wrexham, was stunned when online competition specialist BOTB turned up at his home with the news he was the latest winner.
He had completely forgotten he had entered the competition for the luxury vehicle - and had only staked 5p.
Relaxing in the garden, the 70-year-old was approached by BOTB presenter Katie Knight, who led him to the powerful SUV parked nearby.
'I'm just about getting over the shock,' Neil said. 'When I saw it was BOTB I'd completely forgotten what I had entered – it was a huge, but lovely surprise. This is the best 5p I've ever spent! It's a beautiful car.'
A long-time BOTB player, Neil said he had entered the competitions as a bit of a hobby and never realistically thought he would win.
His partner was in on the secret and helped BOTB coordinate the big reveal.
'She kept a good secret,' Neil said.
Although he was thrilled with the car after never owning or even sitting in a Range Rover, he revealed he's planning to take the cash alternative.
'I would have loved to take the car, but we've currently got nowhere to keep it,' he added.
'We've been looking for a new house for ages. We might also use some of it towards a holiday to Barbados.'
To celebrate, Neil said he'll be opening a bottle of Champagne and heading out for a nice meal.
Katie said: 'Neil was genuinely stunned – he was completely caught off guard and his reaction was priceless. Having played for years, he's a truly deserving winner.
'It's such an incredible prize – the Range Rover Sport SVR is an awesome car, packed with power, performance and luxury. Whether he takes the car or the cash, he now has an exciting decision to make.' Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
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